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 ATOMIZEROPERATIONSMANUAL 8
Automatic tempo detection for the 4th Millenium
About Beat Scanner •
Atomizer features a sophisticated algorithm which processes the incoming audio stream and adjusts the glo-
bal tempo parameter of the Virus TI to match it. Scanning the beat can take anything from a couple of beats
to a few bars, depending on the material - watch the LFO1 (Desktop, Keyboard and Polar) or BPM (Snow)
LEDs while audio is playing, and you will instantly get a better picture of the process. Basically, the more
confident Beat Scanner becomes in its analysis, the more abrupt the flashing becomes.
With Beat Scanner taking care of the tempo for you, Atomizer can be used carefree and in an more intuitive
way compared to manual tempo - even with music aside the “4 on the floor” genre. The Scanners accuracy,
in comparison to a manually tapped in tempo, allows for much longer transitions in between the Atomized
(and therefore looped) audio and the incoming live audio. On top, you can concentrate on Atomizing instead
of watching the tempo sync.
When using Beat Scanner, the tempo will always settle somewhere between 80 and 160 bpm, hence you
may find that the tempo will sometimes be half or double that which you expect. Normally, this shouldn’t
matter too much, but if it’s really important that you have a tempo outside of these boundaries, then you can
use Tap Tempo as described below.
Phase Detection •
In many cases, Beat Scanner is also able to detect the ‘phase’ of the beat, i.e. the beginning of the bar.
However, there will be times when it gets the tempo correct, but the BPM led will flash on the ‘off’ beat. To
correct this, simply hit the Tap Tempo button once on the first beat of the bar. Virus TI Snow users can see
the phase by switching the play mode to “Atomizer” and watch the 8 LEDs in the upper row.
Assisting The Autopilot •
In case the material you wish to Atomize is devoid of any rhythmic consistency, or you disagree with the
tempo that Beat Scanner has settled on, you can easily override its decision at any time by using the Tap
Tempo button. Beat Scanner will automatically catch up with your tempo, and lock to the music again. The
longer you tap, the better the result. 8 taps should be sufficient in most cases.
If at any time you realise that Beat Scanner does indeed know best, and you wish to return full control of the
tempo to the auspices of its superior wisdom, simply hold the Tap Tempo button for a half a second and all
your fingers will be free to glitch the night away. Also, if the tempo of the incoming audio changes significant-
ly (i.e. a new song begins), Beat Scanner will re-awaken by its own accord and take the helm once more.
Note: Opening Virus Control disables Beat Scanner and locks the Virus to the sequencer’s tempo
instead.